Lock_U_Down

Lock U Down

Lock U Down

2007 single by Mýa featuring Lil Wayne


"Lock U Down" is a song by American singer Mýa on her fourth studio album Liberation (2007). It was written by Harrison along with Jason Boyd, Dwayne Carter, and Scott Storch, with production handled by the latter, and featured Young Money rapper Lil Wayne. The song was released as the album's official leading single after "Ayo!" failed to find success on the charts or at radio and eventually deemed a promotional single only.[1] The lyrics of the R&B-collaboration speak of a woman locking her man down when she has found the right one.

Quick Facts from the album Liberation, Released ...

The song received generally mixed reviews from contemporary music critics, who found that "Lock U Down" sounded dated and a poor choice as a single. The song was a commercial disappointment, it failed to chart on Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart; peaking below the chart at number one hundred and number one on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart only. The song's accompanying music video was filmed by director Benny Boom. It featured Harrison and Lil Wayne in abandon warehouse. The video made its world premiere on BET’s 106 & Park on April 25, 2007.[2]

Background

Co-written by Mýa and produced by Scott Storch, "Lock U Down" featuring Lil' Wayne mixes a prominent Eastern harp sample with a guitar riff. A street-but-sweet hip-hop soul jam,[3] it exposes what kind of man a woman wants and needs.[4] Following the commercial disappointment of "Ayo!," Universal Motown delayed Liberation's release. Initially, "Lock U Down" leaked in late December 2006.[5]

Critical reception

Lil Wayne (pictured) is featured on the single.

Upon release "Lock U Down" garnered "mixed" reviews from music critics. Previewed by back in July 2006, the Miami Herald praised "Lock U Down," and described the song as "genius" while commenting,"a rippling rhythm that shows off the rich tones of the underrated singer's voice, with a Middle Eastern counter melody."[6] Writing for Sentinel, editor Brandon Brooks gave "Lock U Down" a favorable review. Brooks deemed "Lock U Down" a sure fire hit; while complimenting on Harrison's vocal performance noting, "She has grown up over the years and sound rejuvenated than ever before."[7] The Guardian's Rosie Swash dismissed Lock U Down as a "basic but generally likeable song."[8]

Music video

On April 24, 2007, a day prior to the video's official release, Universal Motown uploaded a 27-minute video teaser.[9] The Benny Boom-directed music video for the track was premiered on 106 & Park on April 25, 2007.[2] The heavy dance-laid video includes Mýa dancing in a seemingly abandoned warehouse. Mýa performs a dance routine with a few back-up dancers during the video. Lil Wayne stands next to Mýa when rapping his verses, and Mýa is sometimes seen mouthing the words to his rap. Towards the end of the video, Mýa is seen partying with a couple of friends.[10]

Track listing

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Credits and personnel

Credits lifted from the liner notes of Liberation.[12]

Charts

More information Chart (2007), Peak position ...

Release history

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References

  1. "New Music: Mya feat. Lil Wayne - "Lock U Down"". About.com. Retrieved 2012-04-19.
  2. Arnold, Chuck; Novak, Ralph (2007-04-30). "Picks and Pans Review: Hot Downloads". People. Retrieved 2015-12-19.
  3. "Mya Album Preview: Liberation". Rap-Up. 2007-04-26. Retrieved 2015-12-19.
  4. "Bump It Or Dump It". HighBeam Research. Archived from the original on 2017-10-01. Retrieved 2012-10-14.
  5. "Director Videography". MVD Base. Retrieved 2009-04-10.
  6. Liberation (booklet). Mýa. Universal Motown Records. 2007.{{cite AV media notes}}: CS1 maint: others in cite AV media (notes) (link)
  7. "DIE JAHRESCHARTS 2007". djcharts.de. Retrieved 2017-06-25.
  8. "Available For Airplay". FMQB. Retrieved 2011-08-09.

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